Viviana Golding
Highton Primary School
Victoria
Languages Other than English - Italian
Viviana Golding’s vision and enthusiasm have inspired students and teachers to focus on the joy of learning a second language. She has established stimulating professional development opportunities that centre on engaging students in Italian culture and language. She has achieved this through her work as a teacher at Highton Primary School and as the Italian network leader in the Barwon south west region of Victoria.
The introduction of primary, secondary and tertiary Italian programs at three local schools, increased professional development opportunities including exchange programs to Italy, and the creation of a beautiful piazza in the grounds of Highton Primary School (courtesy of the school’s Parents’ Club) illustrate Viviana’s success in inspiring students to learn Italian.
The number of year 7 Italian classes has risen from one in 2005 to ten in 2007 and the primary school is about to start a bilingual preschool program. Viviana’s programs are now being adopted by other schools.
Peter Cooper
Kingswood College
Victoria
Learning community
Peter Cooper, as deputy principal curriculum and head of middle school at Kingswood College, has had outstanding success in improving student academic outcomes. He has provided a collegial and stimulating environment for staff and students through pedagogical reform, professional learning teams, and information and communication technology infrastructure.
Peter has established partnerships with tertiary institutions and introduced courses providing a nationally recognised technical and further education certificate contributing to tertiary entrance scores. This move has given students the confidence and inspiration to complete their schooling and pursue tertiary studies.
Rosalind Manley
Arawang Primary School
Australian Capital Territory
Professional learning community
Rosalind Manley, as deputy principal at Arawang Primary School, has shaped the school’s educational thinking and inspired a sense of purpose and achievement at the school.
Rosalind’s leadership has resulted in the integration of information and communication technology into classroom practice, the introduction of inquiry based learning, and the implementation of a civic responsibility program in the school.
As a teacher and leader, Rosalind is a source of inspiration to colleagues and students. Her support and mentoring of staff, informed view of educational practice and understanding of student and family needs have had a positive impact on student learning and behaviour, use of information and communication technology and engagement of the school community.
Gwen Sands
Pomona State School
Queensland
Continuous school improvement
Gwendolyn Sands’ transformational leadership at Pomona State School has led to improved student results, improved staff morale, reduced behavioural issues and a positive school image among staff and students.
Gwendolyn has placed significant emphasis on the development of all students. She constructed integrated pedagogies, relevant assessment and a responsive, future oriented curriculum. A comprehensive scan and analysis of student outcomes, client opinions and community aspirations have identified action areas and, thereby, encouraged all staff to be involved in the improvement process.
As a result of Gwendolyn’s efforts there now is widespread community support for the school.
Tracy Siedler
Claremont College
Tasmania
Excellence in leadership
Claremont College’s assistant principal, Tracy Siedler provides an outstanding example of what can be achieved with strong leadership skills. Her sustained efforts have led to increased student retention and student engagement.
Tracy’s strength has been to focus on improving outcomes for all students. She initiated a mentoring program for girls at risk as well as an alternative education facility for disconnected students. She organised and ran a highly effective professional development program for staff and was behind the introduction of the Computers for Kids scheme, a mature age scholarships program, and a vibrant student council.
Dallas Williams
The Don College
Tasmania
Values education
Dallas Williams, assistant principal of the Don College, has provided strong and effective leadership in teaching and learning programs in values, social justice, civics education and student community involvement. Through his work students have gained a greater understanding of their community’s values and are more closely involved in community activities.
Dallas’ expertise in values education has led to national and international speaking opportunities, work on a range of committees, implementation of professional development initiatives and the publication of numerous books and papers.
Dallas Williams has made a significant contribution to values education in Australia.